In this Part 2 episode of the Police K9 Training Podcast, host Jeff Meyer continues his conversation with Cameron Ford to finish the list of seven essential skills for detection dog handlers. The discussion covers points three through seven: consistency and fairness in training, adaptability and creativity when simulating real-world scenarios, handler self-awareness and discipline, diligent record keeping and reflection, and maintaining emotional balance under pressure.

Cameron and Jeff share real-world examples and practical strategies: how to mirror operational protocols in training to avoid learned violations of expectation; creative training venues and setups (Home Depot, stadiums, crowds, coolers) to replicate challenges like wind, contamination, and distractions; the importance of rituals, tactile signals, and reading your dog to avoid handler-induced cues; and the value of variable reward schedules to prevent false alerts. They also stress the need for documentation, video review, peer critique, and a growth mindset that embraces accountability.

To contact Jeff Meyer email him at: JeffMeyer1@outlook.com

To see more about Jeff and the classes that are offered go to: www.Policek9Training.net

Thanks to this shows sponsors:

AceK9.com

______________________________________________________________________________

Online Class Click Here k-9services.com

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Ray Allen K9 https://www.rayallen.com/

____________________________________________________________________________

The Next Level K9 https://www.thenextlevelk9.com/

_____________________________________________________________________________

For information about the Colorado K9 Conference https://coloradok9conference.com/

In this episode of the Police K9 Training Podcast, host Jeff Meyer welcomes detection expert Cameron Ford to discuss real-world detection work and the handler skills that make teams consistently successful.

Topics covered include the single most important skill: observation and reading subtle dog behaviors (micro-behaviors, head snaps, tail shifts, baseline recognition). Cameron and Jeff emphasize the value of realistic training — masking training aids, placing aids in luggage and bags, and varying presentations — so dogs generalize to operational conditions. They highlight practical drills like double-blind searches to build handler confidence and truly test team performance.

Key training techniques discussed are reinforcement timing and the use of markers to improve clarity and consistency, implementing variable-interval reward schedules so dogs tolerate delayed reinforcement, and training dogs to hold indications for longer periods. They also cover how to remove handler knowledge to avoid cueing, film searches for after-action review, write immediate search notes to preserve accurate observations, and use training to identify and close gaps before they become operational failures.

Listeners can expect actionable advice: how to set up realistic training aids, progressions for double-blind work, tips for timing and marker use, and ways to document and evaluate canine behavior. The episode also touches on broader industry trends (court scrutiny, video review) and why blending training and reality will make teams more reliable in the field.

To contact Jeff Meyer email him at: JeffMeyer1@outlook.com

To see more about Jeff and the classes that are offered go to: www.Policek9Training.net

Thanks to this shows sponsors:

AceK9.com

______________________________________________________________________________

Online Class Click Here k-9services.com

_____________________________________________________________________________

Ray Allen K9 https://www.rayallen.com/

____________________________________________________________________________

The Next Level K9 https://www.thenextlevelk9.com/

_____________________________________________________________________________

For information about the Colorado K9 Conference https://coloradok9conference.com/

Join Jeff Meyer and guest Art Lopez, director of the Utah POST K9 Program, as they dig into real-world issues facing police K9 teams.

The conversation focuses on administrative and operational challenges: rushing deployments, “chasing the bite,” and changing tactics simply because a dog is present.

To contact Jeff Meyer email him at: JeffMeyer1@outlook.com

To see more about Jeff and the classes that are offered go to: www.Policek9Training.net

Thanks to this shows sponsors:

AceK9.com

______________________________________________________________________________

Online Class Click Here k-9services.com

_____________________________________________________________________________

Ray Allen K9 https://www.rayallen.com/

____________________________________________________________________________

The Next Level K9 https://www.thenextlevelk9.com/

_____________________________________________________________________________

For information about the Colorado K9 Conference https://coloradok9conference.com/

On this episode of the Police K9 Training Podcast host Jeff Meyer welcomes attorney and regular guest Mike Kmiecik of Sheepdog Guardian for an in-depth legal breakdown of a Tenth Circuit case: Luce v. Kyle. Mike walks through the facts, the court’s reasoning, and the practical lessons K-9 teams need to avoid constitutional pitfalls. Topics include qualified immunity, arguable probable cause, unlawful entry, and excessive force claims tied to police canine deployments.

Check out Mike's page for Sheepdog Guardian at www.sheepdogguardian.com

To contact Jeff Meyer email him at: JeffMeyer1@outlook.com

To see more about Jeff and the classes that are offered go to: www.Policek9Training.net

Thanks to this shows sponsors:

AceK9.com

______________________________________________________________________________

KATS K9 Record Keeping www.katsplatinum.com

______________________________________________________________________________

Online Class Click Here k-9services.com

_____________________________________________________________________________

Ray Allen K9 https://www.rayallen.com/

____________________________________________________________________________

The Next Level K9 https://www.thenextlevelk9.com/

_____________________________________________________________________________

For information about the Colorado K9 Conference https://coloradok9conference.com/

In Part 3 of the Simplifying Your Detector Dog series, host Jeff Meyer wraps up the short course by explaining how to move a dog from well-imprinted odors to reliable real-world performance. This episode covers imprint verification, expanding search environments, and managing the dog’s physical limits during intensive early training.

To contact Jeff Meyer email him at: JeffMeyer1@outlook.com

To see more about Jeff and the classes that are offered go to: www.Policek9Training.net

Thanks to this shows sponsors:

AceK9.com

______________________________________________________________________________

KATS K9 Record Keeping www.katsplatinum.com

______________________________________________________________________________

Online Class Click Here k-9services.com

_____________________________________________________________________________

Ray Allen K9 https://www.rayallen.com/

____________________________________________________________________________

The Next Level K9 https://www.thenextlevelk9.com/

_____________________________________________________________________________

For information about the Colorado K9 Conference https://coloradok9conference.com/

Part two of simplifying detector dog training focuses on charging the mark with a verbal marker, teaching dogs to search independently, and imprinting target odors in controlled environments. Jeff Meyer explains using small, limited search areas, off-leash searches, and making the handler intentionally "useless" so the dog learns to rely on its nose and the reward.

The episode also covers introducing additional odors, encouraging a natural final response (sit or down) through self-discovery, and keeping the training balance so searching and odor remain primary.

To contact Jeff Meyer email him at: JeffMeyer1@outlook.com

To see more about Jeff and the classes that are offered go to: www.Policek9Training.net

Thanks to this shows sponsors:

AceK9.com

______________________________________________________________________________

KATS K9 Record Keeping www.katsplatinum.com

______________________________________________________________________________

Online Class Click Here k-9services.com

_____________________________________________________________________________

Ray Allen K9 https://www.rayallen.com/

____________________________________________________________________________

The Next Level K9 https://www.thenextlevelk9.com/

_____________________________________________________________________________

For information about the Colorado K9 Conference https://coloradok9conference.com/

In this first episode of a short series Jeff Meyer explains a simplified approach to detector dog training using markers. He covers charging the mark, teaching dogs to think with successive approximations, and prioritizing strong searching behavior over rote final responses.

Jeff also discusses moving training into real-world environments, minimizing overcomplication, and setting handlers up for success as they begin training with a clear, consistent communication tool.

To contact Jeff Meyer email him at: JeffMeyer1@outlook.com

To see more about Jeff and the classes that are offered go to: www.Policek9Training.net

Thanks to this shows sponsors:

AceK9.com

______________________________________________________________________________

KATS K9 Record Keeping www.katsplatinum.com

______________________________________________________________________________

Online Class Click Here k-9services.com

_____________________________________________________________________________

Ray Allen K9 https://www.rayallen.com/

____________________________________________________________________________

The Next Level K9 https://www.thenextlevelk9.com/

_____________________________________________________________________________

For information about the Colorado K9 Conference https://coloradok9conference.com/

In this episode of the Police K9 Training Podcast, host Jeff Meyer delves into one of the most frequent challenges faced by narcotics dog handlers: why do trained dogs perform well in controlled settings but often struggle during real-world vehicle searches? Jeff offers insights into recognizing and addressing common issues such as handler dependency, inconsistent rewarding practices, and training environment discrepancies. Discover actionable tips to enhance your K9's independent searching abilities and adapt your training strategies to mirror real-life scenarios, ensuring your team is prepared for the street.

To contact Jeff Meyer email him at: JeffMeyer1@outlook.com

To see more about Jeff and the classes that are offered go to: www.Policek9Training.net

Thanks to this shows sponsors:

AceK9.com

______________________________________________________________________________

KATS K9 Record Keeping www.katsplatinum.com

______________________________________________________________________________

Online Class Click Here k-9services.com

_____________________________________________________________________________

Ray Allen K9 https://www.rayallen.com/

____________________________________________________________________________

The Next Level K9 https://www.thenextlevelk9.com/

_____________________________________________________________________________

For information about the Colorado K9 Conference https://coloradok9conference.com/